Tissue Culture Lab Technician

Job title: Lab Technician

Report to Lab Manager

Salary: $26-$28 hour

Key Responsibilities:

• Aseptic Propagation: Using flow hoods and specialized tools to cut and transfer plant materials into new, sterile media containers.

• Media Preparation: Preparing nutrient-rich growth media, including weighing chemicals, adjusting pH levels, and sterilizing them in an autoclave.

• Contamination Monitoring: Inspecting cultures frequently for infections (fungal or bacterial) and removing contaminated samples immediately.

• Maintenance: Cleaning, autoclaving tools, and maintaining a strict, cleanroom environment.

• Documentation: Recording data on plant growth, contamination rates, and inventory in databases.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Technique: Strong proficiency in aseptic/sterile techniques is paramount.

• Attention to Detail: Ability to spot tiny contaminants or irregularities in plant tissues.

• Physical Stamina: Capacity for repetitive motion and sitting for extended periods.

• Education: A degree in horticulture, biology, or botany is often preferred, no experience required, 1-2 years’ experience with plant tissue culture, is preferred.

Typical Working Environment

• Setting: Controlled laboratory environments or cleanrooms.

• Tools: Laminar flow hoods, microscopes, autoclaves, and autoclaved hand tools (forceps, scissors).

• Physical Requirements: Long periods of sitting, fine manipulation of small tissues, and occasional lifting up to 30 pounds.